Three Reasons You Might Be Dealing with Bleeding Gums
If they are healthy, your gums should not bleed. However, there are some reasons gums bleed that are more concerning than others. Keep reading to learn why your gums might be bleeding, and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you require a dental appointment.
- Gum Disease
- You Have Suffered Blunt Force Trauma
- You’re Brushing Too Hard
The most common reason a person might be dealing with bleeding gums is that they have gum disease. In the United States, nearly half of people over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. If you catch it early when it is still in the gingivitis phase, it is actually fairly easy to treat. However, if you wait until it has advanced, then it could lead to bone loss, and you could even lose the tooth.
What do we mean by “blunt force trauma”? It is another way of saying that a person has suffered an injury to the mouth. If you have been involved in a car accident, were hit with a sports ball, or otherwise suffered an injury to your mouth, then it is not surprising that you are dealing with bleeding gums. In this case, make sure that your teeth are not loose. If you find that they are, then you should visit the dentist right away.
If there is no loose tooth, then you can use ice to reduce any swelling. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to reduce both swelling and pain. If the bleeding stops quickly and there is no obvious damage to your teeth, then you are likely fine.
While there have historically been three hardness levels for toothbrushes – soft, medium, and hard – there should only be one people use: soft. If you brush with a hard toothbrush and/or you brush hard, then you could actually be damaging your gums. If you find that your teeth bleed every time you brush or floss, and you do not have one of the above issues, then it might just be that you are brushing and/or flossing too hard.
Come Visit Us for an Assessment
If you are not sure why your gums are bleeding, then it is best to err on the side of caution and visit your dentist. When you make an appointment with California Dental Group, we can complete an oral health exam and cleaning. If necessary, we will take x-rays. This will give us the information we needed to determine what – if any – diseases or injuries you are dealing with.
If you are ready to talk to a dentist and make your appointment, then we suggest you contact us at (800) 407-0161 right away.
